Manager Vows No More Short Turnarounds After Grueling Fixture Pile-Up
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has declared that his team will no longer play matches with fewer than 72 hours of rest between fixtures, following a physically demanding week that saw his squad pushed to their limits.
The statement came after a whirlwind schedule that began with a grueling UEFA Champions League clash against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening. The match went into extra time and penalties, with Real Madrid eventually emerging victorious. Just 66 hours later, the team was back in action for a La Liga away game against Villarreal, where they secured a hard-fought 3-2 win. Kylian Mbappe starred with two quickfire goals in the first half, helping Real Madrid overcome an early deficit after Juan Foyth’s opener for Villarreal.
The victory extended Real Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga to three points over Barcelona, though the Catalan giants have two games in hand. However, the toll of a packed schedule and a defensive injury crisis—with key players like Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and Eder Militao sidelined for extended periods—has left Ancelotti frustrated.
In his post-match press conference, the Italian manager referenced FIFA’s recommendation of a minimum 72-hour rest period between games and vowed that his team would no longer accept shorter turnarounds. “This team has something special—character and commitment,” Ancelotti said. “We held our own physically, but in the second half, the team was exhausted. That was normal. This victory speaks volumes about the team and the resources this squad has.”
He continued, “We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. This is the last time we’ll play a game without 72 hours of rest. We asked La Liga to change it twice, and nothing happened.” When pressed on whether his team would show up for a match scheduled without the required rest, Ancelotti was unequivocal: “No, of course not.”
Real Madrid’s players will now enjoy a much-needed break during the international window before returning to action on March 29 against Leganes. Ancelotti’s bold stance highlights the growing concerns over player welfare in a season packed with high-stakes matches, and it remains to be seen how La Liga will respond to his demands.
For now, Real Madrid’s focus will be on recovery and maintaining their lead at the top of the table, as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory.
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